Black people suffer hypertension at the highest rate in the world.

Practicing religion was the secret ingredient, added to lifestyle changes, that helped a group of Black people reduce their high blood pressure, according to a new study published Tuesday in the scientific journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Researchers used volunteers who suffer from high blood pressure and also attend church to see how certain religious practices would affect their hypertension. Black folks, already by far the most religious group in America, have been disproportionately diagnosed with hypertension.

“Our findings prove that people with uncontrolled hypertension can, indeed, better manage their blood pressure through programs administered in places of worship,” said Dr. Gbenga Ogedegbe, the lead author of the study.

The study was based on data collected from 2010 to 2014, from 373 Black participants with hypertension who attend church in New York City.

Researchers divided the participants into two groups,m with each receiving health education. Just one of the groups also received religious intervention, which included prayer, scripture reading and faith-based discussion related to health.

After six months, those in the religious intervention group reduced their systolic blood pressure by 5.8 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury).

Blood pressure readings consist of two parts: systolic and diastolic. Systolic is the pressure created when the heart beats and diastolic is the pressure when it’s resting, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC defines a healthy blood pressure reading as less than 120/80 mm Hg, with the first number systolic and the second diastolic.

African-Americans suffer hypertension at the highest rate in the world, according to the American Heart Association. More than 40 percent of non-Hispanic African-American men and women have high blood pressure. For African-Americans, high blood pressure also develops earlier in life and is usually more severe.

Ogedegbe, who teaches at New York University School of Medicine, urged clergy and church leaders to pay attention to this study.

“Vulnerable populations often have lower access to primary care. We need to reduce racial disparities in hypertension-related outcomes between Blacks and whites,” he added.

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Police Chief on NOT Firing Amber Guyger over Botham Jean’s Death -- “I can’t do that because there are both local, state and federal laws that prohibit me from taking action, there are civil service laws we have to adhere to.” Dallas Chief Renee Hall. https://t.co/DAim3LmjQxpic.twitter.com/4m9U2m4iaz

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Allison and Bertrum Jean pose for a portrait as they hold a photo of their son Botham Shem Jean at their home in Castries, St. Lucia on Tuesday, September 25, 2018. Botham Jean was shot and killed in his apartment by off-duty Dallas police Officer Amber Guyger. pic.twitter.com/rF58TA9VFF

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This singing in praise by #BothamJean is so beautiful and uplifting. Remember him and seek justice for him, taking on the police officer who killed him physically and the organised smear campaign trying to kill his remembrance. pic.twitter.com/tHouNYPKjd

Continue reading Botham Jean Would Have Been 27 Years Old Today, See His Life In Photos

Botham Jean Would Have Been 27 Years Old Today, See His Life In Photos

Today Botham Shem Jean was supposed to celebrate his 27th story. He was supposed to be a hashtag or a viral story. He wasn't supposed to be gunned down in his own apartment by a police officer on September 6 in Dallas Texas. The St. Lucia native was supposed to be celebrating his life.
SEE ALSO: Texas Cop Shoots Unarmed Black Man For Entering His Own Truck
The person who shot and killed was Amber Guyger. She was arrested and charged with manslaughter on September 9, more than two days after she killed Jean. After only a few hours in custody, she was released on a bond of $300,000. After five search warrants, her apartment was never searched and she reportedly moved out of the complex the weekend she killed Jean. The 30-year-old was finally fired from the Dallas Police Department on September 24.
In honor of Botham Jean, see his life in photos and video. Rest in power.